I'm getting ready to put a bike on CL and have a couple of questions. What restrictions should I place on a potential buyer (pb) who wants to test drive the bike, assuming he has a valid mc endorsement? Should I make up a release form for the pb to sign in case he has an accident and causes property damage to a third party or injures himself or another party? Yes, I probably worry too much, but I do live in a litigious state. Thanks.

IMHO, my advice is to not use Craigs List at all, nor EBay. Both are lawsuits waiting to happen.

If you have any worries, then certainly have the test driver sign something that states he or she is responsible for any damage or liabilities, not you.

I asked the same question over on BurgmanUSA last April when I sold my 2007 400. Selling a car is different than selling a two-wheeler.

I wouldn't hesitate to use Craigslist...carefully. I met the prospective buyers always in a very public place with security cameras. They could look at it that way, and no one knew when we finished of where I lived. If they tried to steal it or whatever, there would be a record of them doing so.

Regarding a test ride. Not necessary. Not even thinking of the litigation prospects like someone mentioned, if they drop it at 3 mph in the parking lot...who pays for the damages? Actually, I can answer that. You do.

With a car, you can ride along which puts a damper on how much they beat the car and hopefully for them deciding to steal it. With a motorcycle, that's a lot harder to prevent. I let one guy do a test ride in a church parking lot...with his wife and kid standing next to me. I was hoping he'd come back for them.

The guy who bought the Burgman for his wife, didn't even ride it. They both looked at it. She sat on it and wanted to test ride it, but had very little experience. I'd let him ride it, but not her. His experience level was quite a bit. But he wasn't worried. He could see from starting it up on the center stand that it ran fine, and watched me ride in and away from our first meeting.

I hope that helps.

Chris

Be very careful about letting someone take a test ride, a few years ago my father, let a potential buyer take a test run, he never saw him or his full dress hog again.

Ride Safe...Robert in Az.

I have purchased three motorcycles privately via CraigsList and eBay. A fairly common, but nowhere near universal, requirement I see in their motorcycle listings is no test ride without cash in hand. Perhaps the thought here is no one should be riding your bike unless he is a serious potential buyer. This helps weed out the joy riders. As you mentioned, a valid MC license and appropriate gear (depending on your state) are reasonable requirements.

My neighbor (in Maryland - mandatory helmet law) sold his bike to a Pennsylvania rider (helmets optional over age 21). He test rode the bike around our neighborhood without a helmet. He got away with it, but it wasn't a great idea.

On one occasion, before bidding on my Silver Wing on eBay, the owner allowed a test ride without cash or anything else. That was the only time I have been able to do so, and was mildly surprised that he offered. But all of my private purchases on eBay and CraigsList have been smooth sailing. A bad experience on CraigsList or eBay can sour anyone's opinion, so perhaps I've been fortunate. With dealers, I have had one excellent experience, one OK experience, and one awful experience.

Although not really a response to your question, the most common problem I have with sellers has nothing to do with the condition of the motorcycle, but rather the status of the motorcycle's title.

Bongo,

I've sold a Burgman on Craig's List and bought my Silverwing off of Craig's List - no problem. I have a Zuma for sale on Craig's List at this time and regret not including in the description "please, no low-ball offers". Within an hour of listing the scoot had one call and an email (and several in the next few days) of folks offering me half of my asking price IF I would make the deal that very day - no thanks!

Ed W.

I have both sold and bought motorcycles/scooters on CraigsList - It has always gone well and been a seamless process. They need to have a motorcycle license AND convince me that they have sufficient experience to ride the SIZE/TYPE bike that I am selling. If you are selling a SWing then they would need to have experience with a 500 pound bike as they need to know how to balance/handle the SWing at slow speeds (up to 10mph) - as I believe that the chance of an accident is mostly at slow speeds (either accelerating or stopping). If you are uncomfortable with their experience then ask them to bring along a buddy who can handle the bike. I think it only fair to let someone (who is qualified of course) test drive the bike before they buy it. I never ask them to bring CASH to the test ride (or proof of insurance) as this cuts way down on those willing to buy your bike - if they like it you can then arrange how to make the transaction - banks are everywhere! You can hold their driver's license if you have concerns. No need to have anyone sign anything as I doubt that this is going to give you (or your bike) much protection. Your best protection is for YOU to have the proper insurance AND for you to do 'due diligence' on the buyer (get some background on them, where they live, how long they have had motorcycle license, what they ride, economic situation). If your gut gives you a good feeling about this person - go with it - and if not, be sure you don't let them ride it. No need to over analyze your sale - things always seem to work out. Good luck!

Many excellent ideas here. Thanks everyone for your replies.